“I love the slightly oriental feel of this jacket and the vintage- style top and shorts. I’d wear this on a summer picnic.” Dolce & Gabbana silk jacket, $3,299; at David Jones, 13 33 57. Tigerlily cotton bikini top, $69.95, and shorts, $89.95; 02-9310 2004. Eclettica cotton-damask flats, $48; 02-8021 5178. Maison Michel lace and bead hat, $595; at Christine, 03-9654 2011. Chelsea de Luca Swarovski-crystal earrings, $450; chelseadeluca.com.au

150 MARCH 2012 InStyle PPLLAAYYIITT G SHE’SA GOT HIGHG HOPES,A BABY, ANDI AUDIENCES aAre GOING CRAZY FOAR HER UNIQUEINN BLEND OF POP. HERE, kimbra HITS REPLAY ON SOME OF FASHION’S OLD FAVOURITES. photographed by Liz Ham styled by Kelly Hume “This is an awesome evening outfit. I love the chunky layered jewellery and the crazy hat!” Lanvin wool and silk dress, $2,995; at Belinda, 02-9233 0781. Salvatore Ferragamo ponyhair and leather heels, $1,060; 1300 095 224. Maison Michel feather and tulle hat, $795; at Christine, 03-9654 2011. Tom Binns necklaces: crystal, $1,150, and crystal and pearl, $1,500; at Christine, 03-9654 2011. The Family Jewels coral necklace, $359; 02-9331 6647. Bracelets: on right arm: Prada crystal, $1,100; 02-9223 1688. On left arm, from top: Fiorina rose-gold, $4,980; 03-9509 8883. The Family Jewels silver and crysophrase, $749 (small), and $989 (large); 02-9331 6647. Mimco silver-plated metal, $89.95; 1800 994 340/mimco.com.au

152 MARCH 2012 InStyle “This is my favourite. A sure winner for the beach or poolside.” Prada silk bodysuit, from $4,100; 02-9223 1688. Nerida Winter hat, $695; 02-9363 0822. Karen Walker

viscose scarf, $126; 02-9281 1110. Lovisa metal earrings,

$9.99; lovisa.com.au. Diva polyurethane necklace, $24.99; 1300 348 228 I LIKE ALL THE “ DRESSES I WEAR “TO EMBRACE A NOSTALGIA OR YOUTHFULNESS. “I like the drama of this dress; it’s a bit glam. And the hat gives it a nice contrast.” Dolce & Gabbana sequinned dress, $2,199; at David Jones, 13 33 57. Nerida Winter tulle hat, $895; 02-9363 0822 “This look has a theatrical element, but the soft yellow keeps it understated. I’d wear this to a dinner party.” Marni cotton and bead top, $2,696, skirt, $2,195, and collar, $795; 02-9327 3809. Prada leather, crystal and steel heels, $1,760; 02-9223 1688

InStyle MARCH 2012 155 POP MUSIC SHOULD

“CHALLENGE

PEOPLE, IT SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING“ DEEPER TO SAY THAN ‘FRIDAY NIGHT’.

“The colours in this outfit are great; it almost has a safari feel, and the print is really striking.” Burberry silk dress, $3,295, and raffia hat, $595; 02-8296 8588. Salvatore Ferragamo silk scarf, $410, and ponyhair and leather heels, $1,060; 1300 095 224. The Family Jewels jade necklace, $269, and jade and pink- agate necklace, $339; 02-9331 6647. OPPOSITE: Style Stalker polyester shirt, $149, and pants, $149; 02-9699 9502. Mimco silver and Swarovski crystal earrings, $129; 1800 994 340/ mimco.com.au. Charles Philip canvas and leather shoes, $190; at Easton Pearson, 02-9331 4433 . Hair: Diane Gorgievski. Make-up: Liz Kelsh

156 MARCH 2012 InStyle here is much to celebrate for singer-songwriter Kimbra Johnson. With both her 22nd birthday, and the American release of her debut album,T Vows, less than a month away, 2012 is shaping up to be a very good year. Though it’s hard to imagine how she could top 2011, when Vows hit #4 on the Australian charts, went Gold and earned her an ARIA Award for Best Female. “I didn’t even expect to be nominated for such a prestigious award so early on!”, says the New Zealand-born talent. Then there was that song. Kimbra featured on Gotye’s smash hit “Somebody That I Used To Know”, which also scored an ARIA gong for Best Song after topping the charts in Australia, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. Now, the single is tearing up the Billboard Charts, heralding Kimbra’s arrival in the US, where she has signed with music giant Warner Bros. “America picked up on my music on the internet,” she says. “They seem to be excited about what I’m doing, so it makes sense to give it a shot.” An optimist adept at leaping in at the deep end, Kimbra relocated from her idyllic hometown of Hamilton at 17, moving solo to Melbourne’s bustling inner-city suburb, Prahran. “It really pushed me to find myself as a musician and as a person,” she says. Now, she’s ready to take on the world— starting with making friends in high places. “Just after the ARIAs, [Kylie Minogue and I] got to have dinner together at the Sydney Opera House, and chat a little bit about her career,” she says, adding, “it was definitely a ‘pinch yourself’ moment.” And, as the Showgirl herself would surely attest, a career in pop ain’t much without a unique sartorial vision. Says Kimbra, “Music is a very expressive art form. When you combine that with a visual element, like fashion, it’s doubly exciting for your audience.” A fan of local designers Jaime Lee Major (who created Kimbra’s two ARIA dresses) and Karen Walker, and French couturier Givenchy, Kimbra admits she’s an op-shop girl at heart. “I’m more into vintage. I don’t know many designers, it’s a world I’m just stepping into for the first time.” One that will no doubt embrace her as quickly as the pop world has. —RACHEL LEES